I have 2005 Sequoia with 42K miles. At the end of '07 I had my rear window motor and computer replaced under warranty, since the window refused to move up or down. I recently got a "come in for free maintenance inspection" mailer from the dealer. I took them up on it when I went in for oil change. I mentioned the window wasn't working again. They checked it out, and came back with the following:
"We checked it out, and the motor and computer must be replaced. Either the motor caused the computer to short out, or vise versa; but they both need to be replaced. Since we replaced it over 2 years ago, unless you have the extended warranty, it will cost you about $850 - Let me know what you want to do."
I told them I would call this week to discuss with a manager, since this has been an ongoing problem since I bought it from them (new). Once I got home, I realized that my rear lock was now not working. So I do a bit of research on the web, found this forum and 1000s of hits on broken sequoia tailgate windshield motors, and the technical service bulletin. So I spent 5 minutes removing the molding and panel, and found that one of the the wiring harnesses to the computer was not attached. I plugged it in, and now EVERYTHING works (window, lock, wiper, etc).
Since the lock worked BEFORE I took this in, I can only assume the technician left it off (whether by accident or on purpose). But the problem is this:
1) The service advisor was insistent that the motor and computer needed to be replaced, which obviously they did not
2) There was no mention of a repair possibility as indicated by the TSB
3) If the harness was actually unplugged BEFORE I brought it in (which it wasn't), why wouldn't they just plug it back in, instead of trying to bilk me out of $850.
How can they do this? I'm sure there are many that would have just paid the money. While it didn't cost me anything, I am severely frustrated that this can happen, and wonder what I should do.
1) Call the service advisor....Expected Answer: "Sorry sir, we made a mistake... it was the technicians fault."
2) Call his manager....Expected answer: "Sorry sir, it won't happen again. I will take care of it."
Communication is a beautiful thing . Take a witness and I would address it with the service manager and let him know what you did . And them look him in the eye as he gives you his answer as to his recomended service . See what he says about it . Take that information to the General Manager of the dealer . Tell him what has happened . Then express your dissapointment in the trust of his ( reputable service department ) . Ask how can you trust his employees on service advise in the future ? Again curious as to how they handle it . You might get an offer ( Service , Discount , Parts ) to offset the incident . Then again they can always say you took it somewhere else to have it fixed . I wouldn't be rude or yell but put the ball in their court as to what they can do to keep your business . Really not much you can do the blame can be passed on and on . But you might try it . If your not satisified with their solution maybe you can contact the Dealer owner or Toyota USA and inform them of the incident . Most likely all of this will be a waste of time but then again maybe they will step up and offer you something . Service advisors make money on repairs I believe . General Managers and Owners care more about earning and keeping your business . So each entity has his own agenda . Exercise your options up the ladder . Just my 2 cents worth . Good Luck . Keep us informed if anything happens .
__________________
04 Sequoia Ltd. Natural White / Charcoal , Pioneer Head Unit , Dome Lgt. Mod , Footwell Lgt. Mod , Armrest Mod ,
I have 2005 Sequoia with 42K miles. At the end of '07 I had my rear window motor and computer replaced under warranty, since the window refused to move up or down. I recently got a "come in for free maintenance inspection" mailer from the dealer. I took them up on it when I went in for oil change. I mentioned the window wasn't working again. They checked it out, and came back with the following:
"We checked it out, and the motor and computer must be replaced. Either the motor caused the computer to short out, or vise versa; but they both need to be replaced. Since we replaced it over 2 years ago, unless you have the extended warranty, it will cost you about $850 - Let me know what you want to do."
I told them I would call this week to discuss with a manager, since this has been an ongoing problem since I bought it from them (new). Once I got home, I realized that my rear lock was now not working. So I do a bit of research on the web, found this forum and 1000s of hits on broken sequoia tailgate windshield motors, and the technical service bulletin. So I spent 5 minutes removing the molding and panel, and found that one of the the wiring harnesses to the computer was not attached. I plugged it in, and now EVERYTHING works (window, lock, wiper, etc).
Since the lock worked BEFORE I took this in, I can only assume the technician left it off (whether by accident or on purpose). But the problem is this:
1) The service advisor was insistent that the motor and computer needed to be replaced, which obviously they did not
2) There was no mention of a repair possibility as indicated by the TSB
3) If the harness was actually unplugged BEFORE I brought it in (which it wasn't), why wouldn't they just plug it back in, instead of trying to bilk me out of $850.
How can they do this? I'm sure there are many that would have just paid the money. While it didn't cost me anything, I am severely frustrated that this can happen, and wonder what I should do.
1) Call the service advisor....Expected Answer: "Sorry sir, we made a mistake... it was the technicians fault."
2) Call his manager....Expected answer: "Sorry sir, it won't happen again. I will take care of it."
What would YOU do?
Thanks!
This is the fifth time we have had that same problem, but first time they wanted to charge us $97 just to look at it, $194 for labor, $700 for motor, $540 for regulator...ahhhhh! I am so glad you posted this. That is something I need to look into now. Maybe we all need to get together and sign a petition to fix this ongoing problem. I refuse to pay money for something that is defective in the first place (unless it is just "defective" mechanics)!!!!
This is the fifth time we have had that same problem, but first time they wanted to charge us $97 just to look at it, $194 for labor, $700 for motor, $540 for regulator...ahhhhh! I am so glad you posted this. That is something I need to look into now. Maybe we all need to get together and sign a petition to fix this ongoing problem. I refuse to pay money for something that is defective in the first place (unless it is just "defective" mechanics)!!!!
Everyone needs to check in on the TS board before they waste their money at dealerships. They are all robbers without guns. The rear hatch window fix (assuming its not the computer or the motor) is a 30 minute job that just about anyone can do for $0. It took me a while to find the TS message board but now I'm here a few times a week to learn and share.
My stealershiop had to respray portions of my Sequoia as part of the closing deal when I bought it new as it was the regional reps vehicle and had some minor scratches etc. The dealership resprayed what they needed to twice before I said "who do I need to send the bill to to have this job done right?" Man if that didn't get somebody's attention. Need less to say I wouldn't even let them paint my daughters bike let alone another vehicle for me after that ordeal. I cringed when I had to have the ball joint recall work done there fearing they would screw something else up that I would find for some time later.
What to do about scam dealer and rear window
Re: What to do about scam dealer and rear window
Linear Mode
